Ecology 3: Population Dynamics
In this 9-hour course, students will learn about population size. Students will learn about factors that incluence population size such as limiting factors and carrying capacity.
What's included
9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Students will recieve immediate feedback on worksheets, excel documents, labs and more.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This class explores population dynamics within an ecosystem. Students delve into limiting factors and carrying capacity. The class stands out by incorporating hands-on investigations and real-world case studies to illustrate these dynamic relationships. Through interactive activities and labs, students will develop a deeper understanding of ecological interdependence and the factors driving biodiversity. This course is structured with lecture notes followed by activities relevant to the notes that have students recall knowledge, then apply knowledge, then create something to show their knowledge. Each day, students will move through a few engaging activities relevant to the day's topics. Students will interact via online lecture notes, games, activities, labs, and videos. My teaching style is engaging, student-centered, and interactive, focused on creating meaningful connections between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. I emphasize hands-on learning through activities and labs that encourage critical thinking and active participation. I accommodate diverse learning styles, fostering an inclusive environment where students feel supported in exploring complex topics.
Learning Goals
Students can estimate population size.Students can explain how population size changes in response to environmental factors and interactions between organism.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Population Size Lecture and Sampling
Students will read through popultion size notes. Students will complete a dandelion quadrant sampling method lab. Lesson 2:
Population Size Mark and Recapture and Intrepreting
Students will complete a panda mark and recapture technique lab. Students will complete an interpreting population size worksheet. Lesson 3:
Limiting Factors Lecture and Lab
Students will read through limiting factors notes. Students will complete a frog population limiting factors lab. Lesson 4:
Carrying Capacity Lecture and Graph
Students will read through carrying capacity notes. Students will complete a deer carrying capacity graph worksheet. Other Details
Supply List
Students will need a computer with access to Microsoft. Students will need a marker, cup, and printer to print paper pandas for the optional paper panda lab. Students will need a meter stick for the optional dandelion lab. Students will need dice for the optional frog population lab. Students will need a printer to print paper owls for the optional owl lab.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2022
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! My name is Ashley and I am a passionate middle school science teacher. I have taught middle school physical, life, and Earth and space sciences for grades 4-9 or 8 years in a high-achieving Pennsylvania public school. I have also taught astronomy and forensics. I strive to create fun learning experiences for students. Engaging all different types of learners, creating hands-on experiences, and using real-world examples to apply knowledge is crucial to students understanding.
Degrees:
Bachelors of Education in Early Child and Adolescent Education from The Pennsylvania State University
Minor in Special Education from The Pennsylvania State University
Masters of Education in STEM from The Pennsylvania State University
30 additional continuing education credits from Wilkes University
in social emotional learning and educational technology
Certifications:
Pennsylvania Teaching Instructional 2 General Science Grades 7-12
Pennsylvania Teaching Instructional 2 Math Grades PK-8
Pennsylvania Teaching Instructional 2 All Subjects Grades PK-6Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$10
weekly or $90 for all content9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 10-14
